Ulvedalen (Wolf’s Valley), Horsens
A small, forested ravine on Horsens’ edge where woodland paths, gentle hills and playful “Naturetales” walks turn an ordinary outing into a quiet, story-filled escape.
Ulvedalen, or Wolf’s Valley, is a forested ravine on the edge of Horsens close to Bygholm Lake. Tucked just off Lovbyvej, this green pocket folds together steep, tree-clad slopes, damp hollows and winding paths that feel surprisingly wild for such a central location. It is a low-key but atmospheric spot for short hikes, family outings, dog walks and digital “Naturetales” adventures that introduce local nature and stories to children.
A brief summary to Ulvedalen
- Lovbyvej, Horsens, 8700, DK
- +4560605866
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes; paths can be rooty and slippery after rain, especially on the steeper valley sides.
- Combine Ulvedalen with the trail around nearby Bygholm Lake for a longer circular hike in varied terrain.
- Download the local Naturetales app before you arrive if you are visiting with children and want the story-based route.
- Plan restroom and café stops at Bygholm Lake or Bygholm Park, as facilities inside the valley itself are minimal.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from central Horsens
From Horsens city centre, Ulvedalen can be reached on foot in around 25–35 minutes via paths leading through Bygholm Park and towards Bygholm Lake. The walk is mostly on paved or well-maintained gravel surfaces with gentle gradients until you approach the valley itself, where trails become narrower and more uneven. This option is free and suitable for most reasonably fit walkers, but some sections inside the valley are not ideal for prams or wheelchairs.
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Local bus within Horsens
City buses in Horsens run from the central area towards stops near Bygholm Park and Lovbyvej, typically taking 10–20 minutes depending on the route and time of day. A single adult ticket generally costs about 20–30 DKK and can be purchased on board or via local ticket apps. From the nearest stop you should expect a further 10–15 minutes of walking on pavements and gravel paths before you reach the forested edge of Ulvedalen. Services run more frequently on weekdays than late evenings and weekends.
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Car or rental vehicle from Horsens area
Ulvedalen lies just southwest of central Horsens along Lovbyvej, roughly a 5–10 minute drive from the town centre under normal traffic conditions. Small parking areas are available along the north side of Bygholm Lake and near Bygholm Park, from which you can walk into the valley. Parking at these spots is typically free but spaces can be limited on sunny weekends. The access roads are paved and suitable for standard cars year-round, though surfaces in the parking bays and trails can be muddy after prolonged rain.
Ulvedalen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Ulvedalen
A hidden valley carved into the edge of Horsens
Ulvedalen, literally “Wolf’s Valley,” is a small but dramatic nature area tucked just southwest of central Horsens, close to Bygholm Lake and the rolling Bygholm Hills. Here the landscape suddenly drops into a wooded ravine, with a cool, shaded floor and sloping banks that rise more steeply than you might expect in this part of Jutland. The result is a sheltered green bowl that feels pleasantly removed from the nearby town. The valley is wrapped in mixed woodland, with deciduous trees arching over narrow paths and conifers providing deep greens in winter. Underfoot, roots and damp leaf litter remind you that this is a genuinely natural pocket, not a manicured park. Birds flit between the branches, and in the quieter corners you are more likely to hear the wind in the canopy than traffic from the surrounding roads.Trails, terrain and the joy of a short escape
Ulvedalen is not a big hiking destination in its own right, but it excels as a place for short walks and everyday escapes into nature. Informal paths criss-cross the valley floor and climb its sides, linking up with routes in the broader Bygholm Hills and the popular circuit around Bygholm Lake. The combination of modest elevation changes and soft forest ground makes it a pleasant place to stretch your legs without committing to a long trek. The terrain has enough ups and downs to keep things interesting for children, runners and dog walkers. Some slopes can be slippery after rain, and roots protrude along the narrower tracks, so sturdy footwear is useful. Because the area is compact, you can easily improvise a loop that suits your time and energy, from a 20‑minute stroll to a longer outing that continues along the lakeshore or into the surrounding community forests.Stories, wolves and family friendly adventures
Despite its name, you will not meet wolves here today. The valley’s wolf theme instead lives on through storytelling. Ulvedalen is one of the locations included in the local “Naturetales” concept, which uses a smartphone app to deliver site-specific fairy tales and small tasks along a route. In the story taking place here and in the neighbouring Bygholm Hills, children follow a character on a “wild journey” in search of a mythical wolf, turning a simple walk into a playful quest. This mix of gentle adventure and easy walking makes the valley well suited to families with school‑age children. The scale of the landscape is small enough not to overwhelm younger hikers, yet varied enough to feed their imagination. Fallen trunks, small clearings and glimpses through the trees towards Bygholm Lake all provide natural “stations” for breaks, snacks and storytelling.A green link in a wider recreational landscape
Ulvedalen forms part of a much larger belt of urban nature stretching from Bygholm Park and Bygholm Lake into Åbjerg Forest and newer community woodlands. From the valley, paths connect towards the lake’s lakeshore track, a popular loop used by runners, cyclists and walkers. This proximity means you can easily weave Ulvedalen into a longer day in the outdoors, combining shaded forest time with wide-open water views. Nearby, camping areas, picnic spots and viewpoints around Bygholm Lake broaden the possibilities for full-day excursions. Yet Ulvedalen retains a slightly more enclosed, intimate character than the open lakeside. It is the place to duck into when you want forest scents, filtered light and the quiet of a sheltered hollow rather than big panoramas.Atmosphere across the seasons
The valley’s mood changes markedly with the Danish seasons. In spring, fresh beech leaves and undergrowth paint the slopes in bright green, and birdsong fills the canopy. Summer brings dappled shade that makes the hollow noticeably cooler than the surrounding open areas, a welcome refuge on hot days. In autumn, leaves blaze in warm colours and the forest floor becomes a patchwork of gold and brown. Even in winter, Ulvedalen has a certain rugged appeal. Bare branches reveal the structure of the valley sides, light reaches deeper into the hollow, and a dusting of snow emphasises the contours of the terrain. Because it lies so close to Horsens, the valley is an easy choice for a quick dose of fresh air year-round, whether for a solitary walk, a chatty loop with friends or a relaxed outing with the dog.Practical notes for a calm nature break
Ulvedalen itself is a simple nature area without extensive built facilities, but you are never far from amenities around Bygholm Lake and the nearby park. A handful of parking options along Lovbyvej and by the lake give straightforward access. From there, short paths lead into the valley, making it an accessible nature fix for both locals and visitors staying in town. Because paths can be uneven and occasionally muddy, it is worth dressing for changing weather and bringing shoes that can handle roots and slopes. Beyond that, Ulvedalen asks for little and offers a lot: a pocket of woodland, a cool ravine, and a chance to slow down amid trees and birdsong within minutes of urban Horsens.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Horsens Tourist Information Centre
1.3 km
Experience the heart of Danish comedy at Odense Comediehuus, where culture and laughter unite in the vibrant city center.
Jættestuen grønhøj
1.8 km
5.000 år gammel jættestue midt i det østjyske kulturlandskab – et stille møde mellem bondestenalderens stenkonstruktioner, skov, marker og Bygholm Sø.
Bilka Horsens
2.7 km
Experience the rich theatrical heritage of Odense at the historic Comediehuus, a cultural landmark since its inception.
Årtusindeskifte Eg
4.2 km
An ancient oak rooted in Horsens' heart, where nature and urban life converge in timeless harmony.
Genforeningssten på Ejer Bavnehøj
11.7 km
Denmark's third-highest point crowned with a monumental 1920 reunification memorial and iconic tower.
Ejer Bavnehøj
11.7 km
A modest Danish hill with a mighty horizon, Ejer Bavnehøj blends reunification history, beacon legends and big-sky views into an easy, rewarding countryside stop.
Ejerbavnehøj MØDESTED
12.2 km
Denmark's third-highest peak crowned by a 1924 monument to national reunification, offering panoramic views and historic significance.
Det gamle vandtårn
23.7 km
Skanderborg's 41.5-meter castle-style water tower from 1908—a striking symbol of industrial heritage and urban progress.
The Midgård Well
25.2 km
A coiled Norse serpent, a quiet city fountain and a whole mythic world wrapped into one small corner of central Vejle.
VisitVejle
25.4 km
Explore Andelstrappen and Fortællegyngestolen in Odense: A fusion of nature's beauty and rich literary heritage.
Vejle Vindmølle
26.2 km
Historic windmill turned art gallery with panoramic city views and rotating contemporary exhibitions.
Vejle Kunstforening
26.2 km
Discover the serene beauty of Sneglehøjen, Odense's tranquil natural retreat.
H.C. Andersen bench
26.9 km
A literary memorial where Denmark's beloved fairy tale author found inspiration amid rolling hills and sparkling lakes.
Bestig Himmelbjerget
26.9 km
Discover breathtaking views and rich history at Himmelbjerget, Denmark's iconic Sky Mountain in the heart of the Lake District, offering hiking, boat trips, and cultural experiences.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
27.1 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Unmissable attractions to see
Mindesten for Det Slesvigske Kyrasserregiment
0.5 km
A modest forest memorial stone that quietly recalls Horsens’ century as a cavalry garrison town and the legacy of Det Slesvigske Kyrasserregiment.
Comwell Bygholm Park
1.0 km
Historic manor‑house hotel in Horsens’ Bygholm Park, blending stately 18th‑century charm with modern comfort, leafy parkland, family‑friendly space and easy city access.
Befrielsessten i Horsens
1.0 km
Experience Denmark’s industrial revolution first-hand at Industrimuseet Horsens—explore living workshops, period homes, and hands-on exhibits in historic factory buildings.
Dyrskuepladsen
1.1 km
Expansive fairground on Horsens’ edge, transforming from quiet open fields into a lively world of markets, livestock shows, funfair rides and local rural life.
Bygholm Park Legeplads
1.1 km
Leafy, relaxed playground in Horsens’ Bygholm Park, where classic swings and nature play meet lawns, lakes and easygoing family time in the manor’s green oasis.
Bygholm Park
1.2 km
Leafy manor grounds that blend playgrounds, picnics and lakeside trails into Horsens’ most effortless everyday escape.
FÆNGSLET
1.3 km
A vast former state prison in Horsens, transformed into an immersive museum, hostel and cultural venue where life behind bars is explored within intact cell blocks.
Lilian's tree
1.4 km
Ancient tree, riverside serenity, and family-friendly art in Horsens' most beloved waterfront escape.
Horsens Banegård Park
1.7 km
A compact green pause beside Horsens railway station, where commuters, locals and dog walkers share a simple slice of lawn, trees and benches in the city’s busy heart.
Vitus Beringsparken
1.8 km
A compact 1950s city park in central Horsens, Vitus Beringsparken blends green lawns, rhododendrons and local history into a quiet pause between station and shops.
Horsens Garden
1.9 km
Step inside Horsens’ storied cotton factory to experience Denmark’s industrial transformation—hands-on workshops, authentic machinery, and immersive exhibitions await.
Rådhusparken
2.4 km
A modest green pause in the heart of Horsens, where everyday city life meets street art, dog walkers and quiet benches beneath mature trees.
Church of Our Saviour
2.5 km
Medieval brick, Baroque grace and a renewed interior meet at Horsens’ historic town-square church, the oldest building within the city and its spiritual centre.
Horsens Holder
2.5 km
A lively street festival that turns Horsens’ central Søndergade into a relaxed urban playground of music, food, stalls and community life for all ages.
Mindesten for Niels Sørensen
2.5 km
A modest fjordside memorial stone in Horsens, quietly honoring 1864 war soldier Niels Sørensen and weaving national history into an everyday neighborhood stroll.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Kystens Perle
0.2 km
Lakeside skovrestaurant by Bygholm Sø serving hearty, traditional Danish comfort food in relaxed, old‑school surroundings with wide views of water and forest.
Amalielund Mad - Horsens
0.8 km
Relaxed Danish dining and flexible catering in green surroundings by Horsens Golf Club, combining classic smørrebrød, hearty comfort food and seasonal menus.
Jacobs Vin & Tapas
2.1 km
Intimate basement wine bar in central Horsens serving Spanish-inspired tapas and a carefully curated wine list in a cosy, candlelit setting.
Restaurant Oksen
2.1 km
Horsens's premier steakhouse since 1986, serving expertly prepared beef and Danish hospitality.
Ji-Mi's
2.1 km
Intimate tasting-menu restaurant in Horsens’ Latin Quarter, showcasing local Danish produce and thoughtful wine pairings in a cosy, chef-led dining room.
GRAN Social
2.1 km
Contemporary Danish comfort food, weekend DJs and crafted cocktails meet under one stylish roof at this all‑day restaurant and bar in central Horsens.
rundtenom
2.1 km
Closed but fondly remembered Danish eatery in central Horsens, once known for classic smørrebrød, generous stegt flæsk evenings and a warm, homely atmosphere.
Restaurant Mamma's
2.1 km
Authentic Italian pizzas and pastas in a warm, unpretentious setting on Grønnegade.
Kamii Horsens
2.1 km
Modern sushi bar and Asian steak restaurant in central Horsens, where fresh handcrafted rolls meet warm kitchen favourites and flexible menus for every occasion.
Cafe Vivaldi
2.2 km
Casual brasserie-style café on Horsens’ busy Søndergade, serving comfort food, coffee and drinks all day in a warm, modern setting with street-side seating.
Hien's Vietnamesisk Køkken
2.2 km
Cozy Vietnamese kitchen in central Horsens, serving fresh rolls, bánh mì, noodles and signature house specialties in a relaxed, everyday-friendly setting.
Det Ny Kronborg
2.2 km
Traditional Danish restaurant and banquet hall in a quiet Horsens street, combining white-tablecloth charm, hearty cooking and a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere.
Restaurant Eydes
2.2 km
Historic cellar dining where Danish-French cuisine meets centuries of local tradition.
Corfitz restaurant - bar
2.3 km
Casual city‑centre café, restaurant and bar on Horsens’ main pedestrian street, serving hearty comfort food, drinks and all‑day people‑watching on Søndergade.
Bone's Horsens
2.5 km
Lively American-style family restaurant in central Horsens, serving BBQ ribs, steaks, burgers and all-you-can-eat sides in a cosy, memorabilia-filled saloon setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
MÅNESØSTER.DK
2.0 km
Intimate crystal and ritual boutique in central Horsens, blending a cosy basement setting with a carefully curated universe of stones, oils and spiritual tools.
Hugo
2.0 km
A spacious Horsens lifestyle store where florist craft, women’s fashion, home décor and gourmet treats come together in one inspiring, cozy space.
Blåmst
2.1 km
Danish design boutique featuring hand-embroidered textiles and timeless home décor in central Horsens.
Kronhjort Galleri
2.1 km
Intimate Horsens gallery and gift shop where curated Scandinavian design, local craft and a calm, personal atmosphere turn browsing into a gentle art.
Sinnerup
2.1 km
A bright Danish lifestyle store in central Horsens, blending Nordic-inspired interiors, furniture, kitchenware, gifts and women’s fashion in one relaxed space.
Dark World
2.2 km
A compact, alternative home-goods shop in Horsens, specializing in glass bongs, smoking accessories and counterculture curios in an intimate, underground-style setting.
H&M
2.2 km
Central Horsens fashion stop blending affordable style, everyday convenience and modern retail energy inside the Bytorv Horsens shopping complex.
Little Reshop
2.2 km
A cosy Horsens boutique for curated baby and kidswear, blending preloved finds, new pieces and hand‑knitted slow fashion for little ones up to six years.
By Mie
2.2 km
Intimate plus-size fashion boutique in central Horsens, offering curated styles, honest styling advice and a relaxed, body-positive shopping experience.
Normal
2.2 km
Ordinary goods at extraordinary prices—discover 100 new surprises every week.
Games N Gadgets
2.2 km
Independent gaming universe in central Horsens, blending consoles, PC gear, trading cards and gadgets with a friendly, community-focused atmosphere.
Bryghus Horsens A/S
2.2 km
Explore Horsens' rich brewing heritage through its vibrant beer culture and historical landmarks.
qUINT
2.2 km
Urban streetwear and sneakers for men in the heart of Horsens’ pedestrian street, blending global brands with a laid‑back, music‑filled shopping vibe.
Triumph Lingerie - Horsens
2.2 km
Fit-focused lingerie boutique inside bytorvHORSENS, offering personal bra fittings, everyday essentials and seasonal Triumph collections on Søndergade in central Horsens.
Kings & Queens Horsens
2.2 km
Youthful fashion hub in central Horsens, bringing together trend-led Scandinavian and international brands for men and women in one approachable, urban-style store.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kom Tit
1.8 km
Smoky, old-school Horsens pub in a yellow 19th-century building, with cheap beers, billiards, darts and a laid-back local crowd from midday to late night.
Værtshuse
1.9 km
A compact, traditional Danish bar on Allegade in Horsens, serving simple drinks and everyday atmosphere for those who enjoy classic brown‑pub charm.
Horsens Sport og Pool Bar
2.0 km
Central Horsens sports bar with 23 screens, pool tables, and competitive games in a welcoming, energetic atmosphere.
Stalden
2.1 km
Relaxed pool and sports bar in central Horsens, blending cue sports, big-screen matches, board games, casual bites and easygoing drinks in one social hangout.
Morzybitten
2.1 km
Cozy Danish pub‑brasserie in central Horsens, pairing classic smørrebrød and hearty dishes with a remarkably broad beer list and occasional intimate live music.
Hemingway's Horsens
2.1 km
Late-night bar and nightclub in central Horsens, delivering cocktail-fueled weekends, loud music, and a packed dance floor until the early morning hours.
Vores lille Vinbar
2.1 km
An intimate Horsens wine bar where candlelight, jazz and personal guidance meet a carefully curated selection of wines by the glass and bottle.
The Golden Horse
2.1 km
Unpretentious local bar in central Horsens, pouring affordable drinks from morning to late night amid slot machines, sports on TV and easygoing neighborhood chat.
Restaurant Wulff ApS
2.1 km
Late-night bar and nightclub-style hangout in central Horsens, turning quiet Rædersgade into a lively social hub on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Klodshans Horsens ApS
2.2 km
Harbor-side live music bar where Danish hygge meets authentic cultural celebration.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar Horsens A/S
2.2 km
High-energy Alpine after-ski bar in central Horsens with big beer steins, Schlager singalongs and a late-night dance-floor party vibe.
Cashpoint Sportsbar
2.2 km
Horsens's premier sports bar with multiple screens and live betting action.
Kokomo Horsens
2.2 km
Three floors of tropical cocktails, DJs and late-night energy in the heart of Horsens’ old town nightlife district.
B-A-R 2 Aps
2.2 km
Casual, central and unpretentious, B-A-R 2 Aps is a friendly neighborhood bar in Horsens’ old town, ideal for relaxed drinks from daytime pit stop to late-night meet-up.
Bar' Rolig
2.2 km
Relaxed games bar in Horsens' historic center with pool, darts, and friendly vibes.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Scandic Opus Horsens
1.8 km
A contemporary Scandinavian hotel in Horsens with spa, dining, and panoramic city-to-nature views—an elegant gateway to both urban and outdoor experiences.
PDD
2.0 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub on Lindvigsvej in Horsens, offering late-night dancing, simple drinks and an intimate, local-party atmosphere on weekends.
Sölibat Natklub
2.1 km
Late-night, no-frills clubbing in central Horsens, where loud music, simple drinks and a compact dance floor create an unapologetically local party vibe.
Oskar hossman
2.3 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Horsens, where pulsing beats, colourful lights and a sociable crowd define the city’s after-hours heartbeat.
Horsens New Style Dance Club
5.3 km
Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.
Team Paderborner
18.6 km
Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.
Bastian Bar & Nightclub, Odder - Nightclub
23.5 km
Odder's central nightlife destination for weekend entertainment and social gathering
temabar APS 23-05
25.2 km
Tropical vibes and late-night dancing in Vejle's energetic weekend hotspot.
NOX Network Ltd.
26.4 km
Small-city Danish nightclub in Vejle with a central dance floor, upbeat chart music, and a straightforward, late-night party atmosphere.
AHA Livestage
34.3 km
Intimate live music and cocktail-driven nightlife in the heart of Fredericia, where high-quality sound and curated events turn selected evenings into standout parties.
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
36.8 km
Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.
Riverboat Jazz Festival
37.0 km
Scandinavia’s celebrated Riverboat Jazz Festival: riverside concerts, boat gigs, and open-air revelry set against Silkeborg’s scenic lakes and vibrant summer spirit.
Kedelhuset
37.0 km
Kedelhuset: Silkeborg’s buzzing live music and culture venue, blending industrial heritage with creative energy in the lively riverside Papirfabrikken district.
Luksusmassage Århus
37.6 km
Experience Aarhus's dynamic nightlife at Luksusmassage, where music and energy blend for an unforgettable evening.
Tucan Swinger & wellness Club
38.4 km
Adults-only swinger and wellness retreat in rural Jutland, blending erotic exploration, spa comforts and themed rooms in a discreet, rules-based environment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly